Nasal CPAP masks

A guide to buying Nasal CPAP masks.  If you are visiting this page, most likely you have sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea is an issue which I personally suffer from.  CPAP mask styles vary greatly, and choosing the right mask is important.

As I personally use a CPAP mask, I find the most difficult part to deal with is having a hose attached to your face all night long.  Unfortunately, all CPAP devices will require you to remain tethered.  The best way to minimize discomfort is by making sure you purchase the right nasal cpap mask.  CPAP masks come in various styles, such as:

·         Nasal

·         Full Face

·         Nasal Pillow

·         Nasal Prong

·         Hybrid

·         Oral

·         Total Face

Once of the most import things you will choose is the mask style.  I personally prefer the nasal style made by Respironics.  This model has a gel padding, which seals the air (preventing annoying air leaks) while providing a soft padding.  The padding is made out of a soft gel silicone material.  The nose bridge is also adjustable, to prevent sore nose bridges.  The biggest downside to this model is where the straps rest on the face area.  If you are prone to having sensitive skin, you may experience acne break outs in the area near and under the straps.  This model has the hose coming from the bottom of the unit with a swivel attachment.

Warning:  if you have cats be aware it is very likely your cats will try to play with the air hose.  I have had to replace many air hoses because my cats will bite them, causing air leaks. 

There is a lightweight nasal cpap mask, which has two prongs which fit against your nostrils.  While this unit is the most comfortable, I could not get my unit to stay on throughout the night even after multiple adjustments.  I also did not have a lot of success with prevent air leaks on this model.

Fisher & Paykel have developed an oral mask, which I have never tried.  This may be a good option if you prefer breathing through your mouth vs your nose.  This model requires the use of a heated humidification tank as the air bypasses your nose.  If humidification (or lack of) is still an issue, it is worthwhile to try the full face mask style cpap gear. 

Sleep apnea is something I have had, however I was not diagnosed until I was in my early 20’s.  In addition to using a CPAP mask, I have undergone treatment for a deviated septum.   If you think you may have sleep apnea, you can read my other sleep apnea page for more information.